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Préfecture confirms first death from dengue fever on French St. Martin

MARIGOT–A male patient residing in French St. Martin has died from a severe case of dengue fever while being treated in Guadeloupe, the Préfecture disclosed Wednesday, after being informed by regional health office Agence Régional de Santé (ARS) in Guadeloupe.

According to the Préfecture, this is the first fatality from dengue – which is currently in an epidemic phase – to be recorded in St. Martin.

No details were given on the age of the patient or the type of dengue diagnosed except to say the deceased had checked into Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital at the beginning of June with suspected dengue. A case of dengue was confirmed, but his condition rapidly worsened and he died five days later, despite receiving specialist care in Guadeloupe.

Expert analysis concluded that this patient was exceptionally susceptible to contracting dengue fever.

The ARS urgently reminds the public to take all measures to prevent breeding of mosquitoes. These include throwing out stagnant water in drums, tyres, flower vases, or anywhere where pools of water can collect; clearing out rain gutters; using anti-mosquito creams and sprays liberally during the day and evening, and especially for young children; using mosquito nets and wearing long pants and long-sleeve clothing if possible; installing mosquito screens in the house, and keeping cisterns covered.

One’s doctor should be consulted in cases of high fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting or muscle pain.